Putin ordered the use of the missile that shot down MH17: ‘That makes him responsible!’

According to the ministry, there are “strong indications” that Putin ordered the deployment of the BUK missile that shot down flight MH17 over Ukraine. This would appear from telephone conversations that were tapped between employees of the Russian government. Relatives were updated on this this morning and a press conference followed later.

“I think it’s a bold statement, I didn’t see it coming,” says Robbert van Heijningen, he lost his brother, sister-in-law and nephew in the attack. “Of course it could be, but it is an assumption and one that you have to interpret correctly. He would have ordered the deployment of the missile, but that does not mean that he also ordered the MH17 to be shot down The Public Prosecution Service also came to the conclusion that this was an error.”

Despite his own nuance, it does not weaken the case for Van Heijningen: “It actually reinforces these statements by the Public Prosecution Service. It confirms to me even more that the blame lies with the Kremlin and Putin. He is not specifically allowed to for the downing of the passenger plane, but he gave the order for the deployment of the missile, that makes him responsible!”

Despite the accusation against Putin, the Public Prosecution Service has announced that it will not prosecute. The evidence would be too thin for that. This raises the question of why the Public Prosecution Service brings this out and what value it has.

Van Heijningen hopes that the OM’s investigation can still be of value in the case that will be submitted to the European Court of Human Rights. The State of the Netherlands and surviving relatives have filed complaints here against the State of Russia. One of the main points here is that the ‘right to life’ has been violated. This complaint and a few other complaints have been declared admissible by the court, which means that they will be dealt with substantively.

If Russia is convicted, for example, they may have to pay damages and other sanctions may also be imposed. “Whether it comes to that, we have yet to see,” says Van Heijningen. “But I am glad that the Public Prosecution Service is so convinced that they dare to call this out. You really don’t just do that, that allegation is much too big for that.”

‘Recognition, but still closure’

In November, three of the four suspects in the MH17 case were sentenced to life imprisonment. This was for the transport of the BUK missile. “That was very important to me,” says Van Heijningen. “It was recognition, but not yet closed. The clients must also receive their punishment. I have resigned myself to the fact that this whole process will take another five to ten years. As long as justice is done!”